According to the CDC, it is “more important than ever” to help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses like the flu. It is recommended that residents “get a flu vaccination in September or October, but getting vaccinated anytime during flu season can help protect you,” the CDC said.
In response, the CDC has worked with vaccine manufactures to increase supplies during the 2020 flu season. A total of 105.5 million doses of flu vaccine have already been distributed across the country, officials said.
In the northern Tarrant County area, officials with JPS Health Network, Kroger Health and the city of Roanoke are doing their part for local residents.
Tarrant County Hospital District
Tarrant County residents can now schedule drive-thru flu shot appointments through JPS Health Network.
Appointments are available for residents age 13 and older every Mon.-Fri. from 8:30-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling 817-702-1100 through Oct. 23.
“The last thing you want is to get the flu and COVID-19 at the same time,” said Dr. Nadia Alawi-Kakomanolis, vice chief of primary care operations at JPS. “This is definitely not the year to skip getting a flu shot.”
JPS Health Network drive-thru flu shot clinics will be at separate locations Mon.-Fri. A list of drive-thru clinics includes the following.
- Monday: Medical Home Northeast Tarrant, 3200 W. Euless Blvd., Euless
- Tuesday: Health Center for Women, main campus, 1201 S. Main St., Fort Worth
- Wednesday: Water B. Barbour Health Center, 3301 Stalcup Road, Fort Worth
- Thursday: Medical Home Southeast Tarrant, 1050 W. Arkansas Lane, Arlington
- Friday: South Campus Health Center, 2500 Circle Drive, Fort Worth
Upon arrival, patients can check in for appointments via cell phone. Patients will then be notified when it is time to enter the facility.
Kroger Health
In a partnership with Tarrant County and the city of Fort Worth, Kroger Health is offering drive-thru flu vaccinations at Dickies Arena in downtown Fort Worth.
Vaccinations are available Oct. 9 from noon-6 p.m. and Oct. 10 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Appointments must be made online.
“With all of the attention on COVID-19, we cannot let our guard down on the upcoming flu season,” Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley said. “It is very important that everyone get a flu shot as soon as possible. We do not want our hospitals overwhelmed by COVID-19 or the flu this winter.”
Kroger Health flu vaccinations are available to insured and uninsured patients six months or older. Patients should wear short sleeves and bring identification and an insurance card, if possible.
Individuals in need of assistance can contact Tarrant County Public Health at 817-248-6299.
“We wanted to provide an efficient way for our seniors to receive the recommended high-dose formulation of the flu shot while minimizing the risk of potential exposure in the general public,” said Jeff Loesch, Dallas division health and wellness director for Kroger Health.
Roanoke
Elsewhere, the Roanoke Fire Department is offering flu shots for city residents every Mon.-Fri. from 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
No appointment is necessary, and a limited supply of shots is available on a first come, first served basis, according to city officials.
Residents in need of curbside service can call 817-491-2301 after arriving at the Roanoke Fire Station at 201 Fairway Drive, Roanoke. Residents must provide proof of residency, such as a photo ID with an address or a city water bill.
Any residents arriving after 5 p.m. may be subject to wait times due to calls for emergency response.
